Simon Morris will step down as Jewish Care chief executive next summer after more than 20 years with the charity. “It’s time for me to have a change,” he said.

Mr Morris, 57, initiated a programme of modernisation reflecting the community’s current and future welfare needs, including ambitious building projects such as the development of its Golders Green campus. The charity’s services touch the lives of 10,000 people weekly.

Jewish Care trustees will shortly begin the process of finding a replacement, looking both within and outside the organisation. To ensure a smooth transition, Mr Morris will remain as chief executive until his successor is in the post.

He joined Jewish Care in 1996 to develop its mental health services and was appointed acting chief executive in 2003, becoming CEO the following year. 
The charity then had a deficit. Today it has a balanced budget while offering a wider range of services.

Mr Morris has become a respected voice in the social care world. He was a member of the Department of Health’s working group, with responsibility for the Prime Minister’s dementia strategy, and regularly comments in the media on major welfare issues.

“I feel honoured and privileged to have been in this position and proud of the progress that has been made during my time here,” he said. That progress “would not have been possible without support from the Jewish Care board of trustees, my colleagues and the wider community”. 

After Jewish Care, he wants “to still focus on making a difference, probably in health and social care. I am not looking to lead another organisation at this stage.” He has derived satisfaction from helping to ensure “the older generation get the respect and dignity they so richly deserve. One of my most memorable moments was when I presented the Legion d’honneur to a Jewish Care resident, Hyman Pittal. You realise how much that generation gave up for the benefit of our generation. It was one of the many special moments I’ve had that make the stresses and strains of being a CEO worthwhile”.

Jewish Care chair Steven Lewis was sorry about Mr Morris’s decision but respected his desire to seek new challenges:“Thanks to Simon’s leadership, this organisation is in a strong position. He is a hard act to follow but we are confident we will attract high-calibre candidates with the skills, vision and passion to drive us forward.”

With Norwood’s Elaine Kerr having also announced her intention to step down as CEO next year, Anglo-Jewry’s two major welfare organisations will be seeking new chiefs.